The Crimson Talon’s library was a labyrinth of scrolls, tomes, and forgotten knowledge. Tucked away in the lower levels of the clan’s sacred hall, it was a place Kaito had rarely ventured.

That morning, with Genji occupied at the training grounds, Kaito slipped inside. The musty scent of old parchment greeted him, and the faint light of a single lantern cast flickering shadows on the walls.

He began his search in the history section, scanning titles for anything that mentioned the Age of Ash. Most of the texts were mundane—records of clan victories, treaties with rival clans—but one scroll caught his eye.

Its edges were frayed, and its surface bore the symbol he had seen on the relic. Heart pounding, Kaito carefully unrolled it.

“The Emblem of Ash: A cursed relic said to hold the power of destruction and rebirth. Forged in the fires of betrayal, it became the undoing of its creator and a curse upon the Crimson Talon.”

The words sent a shiver down his spine. What did they mean by “rebirth”? And why had no one ever spoken of this before?

Before he could read further, the sound of footsteps echoed through the library. Panic surged through him as he quickly rolled up the scroll and stuffed it into his tunic.

The footsteps grew louder, and Kaito ducked behind a shelf, holding his breath.

“Who’s there?” a voice called out.

It wasn’t Genji. The voice was younger, sharper—Ryo.

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Kaito’s heart raced as he pressed himself against the cold stone wall. He peeked around the corner just as Ryo’s shadow stretched across the shelves.

“I know someone’s here,” Ryo said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. “You can’t hide forever.”

Kaito clenched his fists. Ryo was the last person he wanted to see him snooping around. If he got caught, there’d be no end to the humiliation—or the questions.

As Ryo’s footsteps approached, Kaito spotted a small stack of books nearby. With a swift motion, he nudged them over with his foot.

The crash was deafening, and Ryo spun toward the noise. “What the—”

Taking advantage of the distraction, Kaito darted out from his hiding spot, keeping low as he slipped through the rows of shelves. He didn’t stop until he was outside, the cool mountain air filling his lungs.

For a moment, he leaned against the wall, trying to calm his racing heart. Then he pulled out the scroll. Whatever danger this emblem held, he knew one thing: he couldn’t stop now.

The clearing felt different this time. The boulder stood like a silent sentinel, the glowing emblem beneath it pulsing faintly.

Kaito knelt by the relic, unrolling the scroll as moonlight filtered through the trees. The words seemed to come alive, and the patterns on the emblem glowed brighter as if responding to his presence.

“Destruction and rebirth...” he murmured. “What does it mean?”

As if in answer, the ground beneath him began to shake. The glow from the emblem intensified, bathing the clearing in an otherworldly light. Kaito scrambled back, his eyes wide as cracks formed in the boulder.

From within, a low hum resonated—a sound that wasn’t just heard but felt, reverberating through his chest.

Then, with a deafening crack, the boulder split open.

Inside was a blade unlike any Kaito had ever seen. Its surface shimmered with an iridescent glow, and its hilt bore the same emblem as the relic.

Kaito reached for it, but the moment his fingers touched the hilt, a surge of energy coursed through him. Memories not his own flooded his mind—images of battles, fire, and a voice whispering:

“The cycle begins anew...”

Kaito stumbled back, gasping for air. He didn’t notice the figure watching him from the shadows.

“Interesting,” a voice drawled.

Kaito spun around, clutching the strange blade. Standing at the edge of the clearing was Ryo, his smirk illuminated by the relic’s glow.

“I always knew you were hiding something,” Ryo said, stepping closer. “But this... this is far beyond what I expected.”

“Stay back,” Kaito warned, holding the blade defensively.

Ryo chuckled. “Relax, Kaito. I’m not here to fight.” His eyes gleamed with something unsettling. “At least, not yet. But you should know—whatever you’ve just awakened, it won’t only be the clan that’s after you. Others will come. And when they do...”

He turned, his voice carrying over his shoulder as he walked away. “You’d better be ready.”

Kaito stared after him, the weight of the blade in his hand heavier than ever.